Bruxism

What is Bruxism?

In Short, Bruxism is teeth grinding and clenching. Grinding and clenching of the teeth and jaw can occur in most people at one point or another; however, Bruxism refers to a severity of the problem that can result in harmful symptoms for your jaw and teeth.

Bruxism Symptoms

• The teeth grinding and jaw clenching of Bruxism can result in teeth being worn down and even breaking so you may notice abrasions to your teeth.  Your teeth play a large role in the structure of your face so the damage that Bruxism can do dentally can change your appearance.
• Bruxism means you are putting pressure on your jaw and this can lead to a sore jaw upon waking
• Wearing of the tooth means less protection and greater tooth sensitivity
• The pressure on jaws from Bruxism may also lead to headaches and pain around the face
• The sounds of teeth grinding can be heard by third parties, a person sharing your bed or room may hear these noises

Types of Bruxism

Bruxism falls under two main categories

• Primary Bruxism exists without the presence of any known medical conditions
• Secondary Bruxism exists within the presence of a known condition

Bruxism may occur

• During sleep (Sleep Bruxism) – constant grinding of teeth may occur during sleep and the consistent clenching of the jaw
• During wake (Awake Bruxism) – Suffers of Awake Bruxism may become aware of their condition which occurs subconsciously during their waking hours

What Causes Bruxism?

The different types of Bruxism are often associated with particular conditions or habits

• Primary Bruxism (no known medical condition)
  > Cocaine and Ecstasy use
  > Stress
• Sleep Bruxism
  > Sleep related conditions such as snoring, sleep paralysis, night terrors, sleep apnea, sleep walking and talking
  > Stress
  > Teeth misalignment
  > Anxiety
• Wake Bruxism
  > Stress
  > Anxiety and depression
  > Teeth misalignment
• Secondary Bruxism (related to known medical condition)
  > Stress
  > Anxiety and depression
  > Teeth misalignment

Who Does Bruxism Affect?

Bruxism Children

Bruxism is common in babies who are teething and children who are developing their adult teeth. For both groups Bruxism occurs mainly during sleep.

It is unsure as to what causes Bruxism in children but it is believe to perhaps be attributed to by the following

• Misalignment of upper and lower teeth
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Other medical conditions
• Dehydration 

Suggestions to treat a child for Bruxism and help with symptoms

• Help the child to relax before bed time and in general
• Make sure child is sufficiently hydrated
• Have the dentist monitor your child’s Bruxism
• Massage and exercises to relax the child’s jaw muscles
• Mouth guards may be necessary for sleep Bruxism

Bruxism Adults

Factors that will put adults at higher risk of developing Bruxism include

• Stress
• Smoking
• Caffeine
• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety\Depression medication
• Alcohol
• Recreational use of Cocaine and Ecstasy

Treatment Bruxism

Though there is no ground breaking drug to cure Bruxism, once it has been established that Bruxism is a problem then there are steps that you can do to combat the symptoms and stop Bruxism altogether.

• Protect your teeth –  Your dentist can have you fitted with a mouth guard to be worn at night to protect your teeth from any grinding that may occur while you sleep
• Stress and Anxiety related – Steps taken to manage these psychological issues will obviously benefit you in more ways then ceasing sleep Bruxism. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you muscle relaxants.
• Awake Bruxism steps – The following steps will help you to consciously avoid Bruxism while you are awake.
  > Cut down or avoid Caffeine in the form of Coffee, chocolate and Cola drinks
  > Be more conscious about Bruxism. Placing your tongue between your teeth will actually help you to relax your jaw
  > If it’s not food, don’t chew it, this includes pencils and the like
• Sleep Bruxism
  > A cloth warmed by warm water against your jaw in front of your ear will help to relax your jaw muscles
• Teeth misalignment may be fixed using techniques such as orthodontics, an oral splint or equilibration. Your dental professional will advise you on this.

So as you can see though there is no cure as such for Bruxism the problem is quite common and catered for appropriately by your health professional.